Soft Landing

Brett Corlett

Soft Landing NZ is for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from Brett's personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease.

  1. The Truth About Immigrating to New Zealand Ep34

    1D AGO ·  VIDEO

    The Truth About Immigrating to New Zealand Ep34

    There's so much noise online right now about moving to New Zealand. Some people say it's impossible. Others say the cost of living is too high. Some say there are no jobs. Others say immigrants shouldn't even come here. So in this episode, I wanted to sit down and have an honest conversation about my real experience immigrating to New Zealand with my family, and how I can help you. After living here for more than three years, I created a free commnity for you to join, where we share: How we found jobs in New Zealand Whether you can apply from overseas What NZ employers are really looking for The emotional reality of immigration The pros and cons of moving countries Why New Zealand is not for everyone Why it CAN absolutely work for the right people This episode is for anyone seriously considering immigrating to New Zealand and trying to work through questions around visas, jobs, cost of living, career opportunities, family life, and whether this journey is even realistic. I also talk about what our communnity offers: LinkedIn and SEEK strategies Building relationships in New Zealand Interview preparation Job search mistakes immigrants make How recruiters find candidates Why clarity matters BEFORE spending money on immigration Most importantly, I explain why I created the Soft Landing NZ community, a space where immigrants can ask questions, learn from real experiences, and make informed decisions without the hype or fear. If you're considering moving to New Zealand, this episode will point you to where you can get trusted support and help you gain clarity, and the realities of starting over in New Zealand.  🔗 Click link to access the free community, job search masterclass and all other platforms: Soft Landing NZ Disclaimer: I am not a licensed immigration adviser or financial adviser. This podcast shares personal experience only. Please speak with a licensed immigration professional before making immigration decisions.

    13 min
  2. Migration & Money: How Immigrants Can Buy a Home in NZ Ep.32

    APR 1

    Migration & Money: How Immigrants Can Buy a Home in NZ Ep.32

    Many immigrants believe buying a home in New Zealand is impossible… but that's not actually true. In this episode of the Migration & Money series, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet from Migrant Financial Services to unpack one of the biggest milestones for immigrants in New Zealand: buying your first home. For many newcomers, owning a home is the moment when New Zealand truly starts to feel like home. But between rising house prices, deposits, and confusing mortgage terms, the process can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we break down: • The first steps immigrants should take when planning to buy a home • How long it realistically takes to save for a deposit • Whether you really need a 20% deposit • The difference between fixed, floating and split mortgages • The most common mistakes immigrants make when planning for a mortgage Ivandee also shares why starting the conversation early can make a huge difference to reaching your goal of home ownership. Buying a home in New Zealand might feel out of reach at first — but with the right planning, it may be far more achievable than you think. Also, If you're exploring a move to New Zealand and want practical help figuring it all out, you're welcome to join the Soft Landing Inner Circle community. Inside you'll find resources, conversations and guidance to help you work out whether New Zealand is the right move — and how to make it work if you decide to go for it. You can join the free community here:  https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

    20 min
  3. Migration & Money: KiwiSaver Explained for Immigrants Ep. 31

    MAR 18

    Migration & Money: KiwiSaver Explained for Immigrants Ep. 31

    Most immigrants arriving in New Zealand hear about KiwiSaver… but very few actually understand how it works. In this episode of the Migration & Money series, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet from Migrant Financial Services to unpack one of the most important financial tools available to immigrants in New Zealand: KiwiSaver. If you've ever wondered: • What KiwiSaver actually is • Who qualifies for it • How employer contributions work • Whether it helps you buy your first home in New Zealand • And the biggest mistakes immigrants make with KiwiSaver …this episode is for you. KiwiSaver can play a powerful role in helping immigrants build retirement savings and potentially buy their first home, but only if you understand how to use it properly. Ivandee breaks down how it works, what to look out for in your employment contract, and why getting the right advice early can make a huge difference. If you're planning your future in New Zealand, this is a conversation worth listening to. Also, If you're exploring a move to New Zealand and want practical help figuring it all out, you're welcome to join the Soft Landing Inner Circle community. Inside you'll find resources, conversations and guidance to help you work out whether New Zealand is the right move — and how to make it work if you decide to go for it. If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

    18 min
  4. The Journey Continues: But all you want is a break Ep.29

    JAN 28

    The Journey Continues: But all you want is a break Ep.29

    The Journey Continues – Life After Moving to New Zealand Almost a year after moving to New Zealand, I thought we were finally finding our feet. Instead, everything seemed to hit at once. In this episode, I continue our immigration story and share what was really happening behind the scenes during our first year in New Zealand, the part that doesn't often get talked about. From serious family illness back home, to the guilt of being far away when people you love need you most, to work pressure, financial stress, and the emotional toll of having to keep going when you're already exhausted. This isn't a polished success story. It's an honest conversation about: what happens when the excitement wears off the emotional weight immigrants carry quietly feeling responsible for your family when you're struggling yourself and what it's like when the journey has to continue… even when all you want to do is stop If you're in your first year or two after immigrating, or you're considering making the move — this episode is for you. You're not weak for finding this hard. You're not broken for feeling overwhelmed. And you're not alone in carrying more than you expected. Sometimes the journey doesn't fall apart, it just asks more of you than you thought you had. Stay Connected If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

    22 min
  5. Migration & Money: Why Every Migrant Needs a Will in NZ Ep. 27

    12/17/2025

    Migration & Money: Why Every Migrant Needs a Will in NZ Ep. 27

    Moving to New Zealand often feels like a fresh start, but few migrants realise how complicated things can become if tragedy strikes. In this episode of the Migration and Money Series, Brett Corlett (Soft Landing NZ) speaks with Ivandee Fitchet from Migrant Financial Services and Alistair van Schalkwyk from ASCO Legal about one of the most important and most overlooked, parts of migration: having a valid Last Will & Testament in both countries. Brett opens with a deeply personal story: the loss of his sister-in-law to cancer, and the emotional and administrative challenges of managing her estate from the other side of the world. Their family's experience shows just how unpredictable life can be and why having the right legal documents in place can protect your children, your partner, and your assets when the unexpected happens. Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &… Ivandee and Alistair then explain, in clear and practical language: Why migrants need a will in both their home country and New Zealand Why your South African will does not automatically work in NZ What happens if you die without a will (intestate law) and why it can become a nightmare What "guardianship" really means when you're an immigrant Why online wills and templates often fail migrants How jointly owned assets and life insurance are treated in NZ How often you should update your will What happens if your nominated guardians are not NZ residents Why original wills must be safely stored and who should keep them Whether you're still preparing to move or already settled in New Zealand, this episode gives you the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to protect the people who matter most. Links & Resources Book a financial consult with Ivandee (Migrant Financial Services): 👉 https://forms.gle/75TwxcnrUxN79SH8A Watch/listen to the full Migration and Money series: 👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUyrX6hymTr1qQui1OZVKXhNO7HOeLZag&si=lS3mV-CC9Y6Ko5yL Stay Connected If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz 🔎 Summary A practical, migrant-focused guide to understanding wills in New Zealand. This episode explains why newcomers need a Last Will & Testament in NZ, what happens if you don't have one, how guardianship works for migrant families, and the legal steps needed to protect children and assets across two countries. Perfect for South Africans and anyone moving to NZ. Q: Do immigrants need a will when moving to New Zealand? Yes. Your home country will does not automatically apply in NZ. Migrants need a will that reflects New Zealand laws to protect partners, children, and assets. Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &… Q: What happens if I die without a will in New Zealand? Your assets may be split between your spouse and children — not automatically to your partner — which can cause major complications. Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &… Q: Can I use my South African will in New Zealand? It may not be valid for NZ assets. Migrants often require separate wills in each country. Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &… Q: Who should keep the original copy of my will? Most NZ law firms store originals safely and notify families if a death occurs. Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &… Q: How often should I update my will? Every 5–8 years or when major life events occur (kids, new assets, inheritance, loss in family).

    25 min

About

Soft Landing NZ is for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from Brett's personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease.